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Behavior of the ionospheric F-region during geomagnetic storms. Final scientific report September 1, 1974--September 30, 1977

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6546308

The behavior of the ionospheric F-region during geomagnetic storms is addressed by examining many years of total electron content (TEC) data obtained from a semi-global network of TEC observing sites. An analysis procedure is described which leads to the derivation of average disturbance patterns which capture the characteristic features seen during individual storms. These average storm patterns give percentage deviations from monthly median behavior on a local time basis over a 4-day storm period. Primary emphasis is given to disturbance patterns seen over a latitude network spanning the geomagnetic L-shell range L approx. = 1 1/2 to 5. A clear and recurrent pattern of coupled positive and negative excursions over this latitude range are described on a season-by-season basis. At lower mid-latitudes (L approx. = 1 1/2 - 2), where the largest net changes in ionospheric plasma contents occur, a longitudinal network is used to confirm and contrast the effects observed in the context of the latitudinal patterns.

Research Organization:
Boston Univ., MA (USA). Dept. of Astronomy
OSTI ID:
6546308
Report Number(s):
AD-A-056978
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English